India Under-19 are on the brink of a commanding victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025, with the Pakistani batting lineup crumbling under pressure in a 241-run chase at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai.
After being bowled out for 240 in 46.1 overs, India produced a disciplined bowling performance to leave Pakistan struggling at 149 for 9 in 40.4 overs, staring at a heavy defeat.
Early drama as Suryavanshi falls cheaply
All eyes were on teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, fresh off a record-breaking 171 in the previous match, but Pakistan struck early to remove the danger man for just five runs. Mohammad Sayyam produced a sharp delivery in the fourth over, inducing a miscued shot as Suryavanshi was caught and bowled, sparking wild celebrations from the Pakistan camp.
Mhatre and George steady India
India captain Ayush Mhatre counter-attacked during the powerplay with a fluent 38 off 25 balls, smashing four fours and three sixes. He added 49 runs with Aaron George, helping India race to 78 inside the first 10 overs before Pakistan pulled things back.
George then played the anchor’s role with a mature 85 off 88 balls, striking 12 fours and a six while wickets kept falling at the other end. Support came from Abhigyan Kundu (22) and later Kanishk Chouhan, whose brisk 46 off 46 balls pushed India past the 200 mark.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers hit back late, with India losing their final six wickets for just 67 runs.
Pakistan’s chase falls apart
Despite a promising start in earlier matches, Pakistan’s batting failed to fire this time. Huzaifa Ahsan’s fighting 70 was the lone resistance as wickets tumbled regularly against a relentless Indian attack.
India’s bowlers shared the spoils:
Deepesh Devendran impressed with three key wickets
Kanishk Chouhan chipped in with crucial breakthroughs
Tight spells from the supporting cast kept Pakistan under constant pressure
With nine wickets down and still well short of the target, Pakistan are all but out of the contest.
Big statement from India U19
After Pakistan posted 345 in their previous outing, this collapse marks a dramatic turnaround and underlines India’s depth and discipline at the U19 level. The result also strengthens India’s position as title contenders in the tournament.
